Tromso - Bremerhaven Expedition Norway and Shetland Islands: contrasting worlds at the edge of Europe.

Norway is the setting for great natural spectacles. The deck is the best place to marvel at the narrow passages through fjords and islands. Hidden between steep rock faces in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, the ship steers into the spectacular Trollfjord. Its narrow entrance, only 100 m (328 ft) wide, opens up to a dramatic panorama of majestic mountains. Navigating the Trollfjord is only possible with a small ship. During this impressive passage, your experts on board will explain why the fjord is considered the home of mythical creatures from Norwegian mythology.

An evening stroll through the streets of Svolvaer will show you what modern life is like on the Lofoten Islands. The city lies on the indented coastline in front of striking mountain ranges. Enjoy the special light and the flair on a stroll long after sunset because your ship will stay overnight.

Skerry landscape, stockfish archipelago and expedition territory: the Lofoten Islands impress with dramatic landscapes and idyllic fishing villages. See what life is like here on the main island of Austvagoya and in its main town, Svolvaer. Once the ship has docked, take a stroll around the little town. Everywhere you go, you will see frames for drying stockfish, which is exported all over the world from the archipelago. Rather than the town itself, it’s the symbiosis with the surrounding mountains that makes this place so appealing. Its main landmark is the mountain of the same name, Svolvaer, with two rocky peaks standing a good 1.5 m (5 ft) tall at the top. The extraordinary light and colour here have attracted many artists to settle in the town. That’s why Svolvaer is now an art centre.

Covering a surface area of 370 km² (143 mi.²), Svartisen is Norway’s second-biggest glacier. No other mainland glacier comes this close to sea level. Its name is derived from the old Norwegian “svartis” meaning “black ice”, although the glacier reveals amazingly bright blue tones rather than black. When less air is trapped in the ice, it will appear darker and more blue in colour. Your experts will be at your side to tell you more about this and other background information. Depending on ice and snow conditions, take a hike to the tongue of ice to admire this work of nature or enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier from the glacial lake.

Norway is legendary in the truest sense of the word. Many of its impressive landscapes are closely linked with legends and Norwegian mythology. A particularly fascinating story comes to life when your ship cruises off Torghatten, the striking mountain with a hole in the middle. According to legend, this hole was created when the King of the Somna’s hat was pierced by an arrow fired by a wild troll prince. See it for yourself when your ship cruises off the island of Torget, offering a perfect view of the rock. Your team of experts on board will explain the actual story behind the special geological feature.

Your small expedition ship will also take you to the famous Geirangerfjord as it hugs the coastline. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seems unreal and will draw you under its spell with its majestic mountains and cliffs rising up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) out of the water. Numerous waterfalls plunge into the fjord, including the “Seven Sisters” with a drop of 250 m (820 ft). Legend has it that the “Suitor” waterfall on the opposite bank had its eye on the beautiful sisters, but its desires remained unfulfilled because of the fjord that kept them apart. Out of frustration, it took to the bottle, which is now apparently reflected in its shape like a liquor bottle. You too will be intoxicated by the sight of this natural wonder, which will stay in your memory forever. From the little town of Geiranger at the end of the fjord, you can take the opportunity to go on a variety of excursions*.

At the foot of a mighty chain of mountains lies the charming coastal town of Maloy. The town has a rich maritime history, which is still alive today. Fisheries and aquaculture are the mainstays of the local economy. The street art here is as creative as the surrounding scenery is beautiful. Discover the murals inspired by island life as you walk around independently. The exhibition in the Maloyraidsenteret (Maloy raid centre) tells the extraordinary tale of the events that took place in 1941 during the Second World War. Set in the middle of idyllic, unspoilt nature, Maloy is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Enjoy some relaxing moments on the many open deck areas when the small ship cruises through the Nordfjord. A labyrinth of sea inlets that shape Norway’s character in a myriad of ways. Majestic mountains rise up steeply out of the clear, deep-blue water, and along the shores you will see the changing scenery of steep cliffs, gentle slopes and idyllic villages.

Close by, but seldom visited: where the Atlantic and the North Sea meet lie Scotland’s approximately 100 Shetland Islands. The untamed power of the sea sets the stage for breathtaking natural spectacles – and the front-row seats to take in this experience are on board.

The town of Lerwick welcomes you with a special sense of calm. Nestled close together, the stone houses built in the 18th century reveal their history on a stroll through the old town. In the surrounding countryside, you will be captivated by the numerous archaeological sites that tell of the everyday lives of the Stone Age people and Vikings.

When the anchor drops into the North Sea off Fair Isle, the excitement builds. The Zodiacs will take you to a birdwatcher’s paradise: the spectacular sandstone cliffs and lush grasslands are home to thousands and thousands of northern gannets and puffins. In addition, every patch of grass is grazed by sheep or lambs. The 60 or so human inhabitants live in a small area of Fair Isle – the rest belongs to the animals.

When Hapag-Lloyd Cruises sets sail for Papa Stour for the first time, you will be part of this story of discovery. With the Zodiacs, you will visit the small island, where geologically impressive natural experiences await. Wind and waves sculpted impressive cliffs, rock arches and sea caves here. Evidence of civilisation can be found here in the remains of settlements, graves and rune stones from the Viking Age.

For the first time, the fleet will also call at the Isle of Foula, where the Zodiacs will once again be used. It is considered Britain’s most remote inhabited island, with only around 30 inhabitants. The monumental cliffs are famous here, home to one of Europe’s largest seabird populations with thousands of northern fulmars, skuas and northern gannets.

The island world in northern Scotland offers you a true expedition experience when you land with the Zodiacs on the uninhabited Isle of Mousa. A circular walk with your experts will introduce you to the history and construction of the typical brochs – built with thick masonry as a defence tower in the Iron Age. Or you can go on a nature walk on the island, where you might be lucky to spot seals and grey seals.

The small town of Egersund on the south-west coast of Norway has a history dating back to the Viking Age. As you stroll through the charming old town with its narrow streets, one of the best-preserved ensembles of timber-framed houses in the country unfolds before you: more than 100 colourful buildings are listed in special historic areas. The natural harbour was once a centre for fishing and the famous production of faience. Today, Egersund – with its location in the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark – is an ideal starting point for hikes, such as to the spectacular Trollpikken rock formation. It combines cultural history with unforgettable experiences in nature.